MBSE: The future of systems engineering

With software becoming more ubiquitous in so many products, product development is becoming increasingly complex, especially as it pertains to software and systems engineering. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a methodology that uses models to support the entire lifecycle of a system. It is a formalized methodology that is used to support the requirements, design, analysis, verification, validation and optimization associated with the development of complex systems. MBSE puts the models at the center of system design. This approach leverages a digital backbone to create models and enable connectivity across product lifecycle.

MBSE has become a critical approach to systems engineering, enabling organizations to better manage the growing complexity of systems. By leveraging the comprehensive digital twin and a digital thread approach to product definition and multi-domain engineering, companies can start integrated and stay integrated from the early stages of product concept and definition, all the way through product verification and validation.

With MBSE, organizations can holistically define product use case scenarios and connect all product requirements and engineering disciplines in a single environment. This connectivity allows the multi-domain digital twin to be accessible to all stakeholders — including suppliers — across functional disciplines and across the entire product lifecycle.

Failing as fast as possible has become the goal for designing new products. The intention of this strategy is to ensure that development teams don't waste valuable time and resources on products that won't work. However, to implement this strategy, companies need to create models that can be continuously verified throughout the development process — something that is only possible with an MBSE approach.

An MBSE approach enables continuous verification and optimization throughout the product development cycle to ensure products are built correctly and in compliance with customer, regulatory, safety and sustainability requirements.

Several industries can benefit from the adoption of an MBSE approach, including Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Heavy Equipment:

• Aerospace and Defense: The aerospace and defense sectors are prime candidates for MBSE due to the inherent complexity of their systems, stringent safety and reliability requirements as well as the need for rigorous traceability. MBSE enables these sectors to better manage the design, development and integration of advanced aircraft, spacecraft and defense systems, helping to mitigate risks and ensure mission-critical performance.
• Automotive: The automotive industry is increasingly relying on MBSE to keep pace with the growing complexity of next-generation vehicles — which are integrating more advanced electronics, software and interconnected systems. MBSE provides automakers with a structured approach to managing the design, validation and evolution of these complex systems, ultimately leading to improved product quality, safety and time-to-market.
• Heavy Equipment: As heavy equipment becomes increasingly automated and connected, an MBSE approach to modeling and simulating complex system behaviors is crucial for integrating advanced technologies, such as autonomous controls, telematics and predictive maintenance. By embracing MBSE, heavy equipment manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve and deliver innovative, reliable and efficient machines that meet evolving customer needs.

MBSE is a powerful enabler of digital transformation, providing organizations with a structured, visual approach to designing, developing and maintaining complex systems. MBSE breaks down silos, fosters cross-functional collaboration and supports data-driven decision-making: the pillars of a successful digital transformation. MBSE helps companies become agile and adaptable, empowering them to rapidly prototype, iterate and deploy new products and services.

MBSE may appear to be difficult to implement because the solutions involved have not been fully aligned to meet the need for continuous integration across multi-disciplinary teams, processes and tools. At the same time, achieving continuous integration isn't the only consideration — the functionality and interoperability of the applications are also key.

In addition, shifting to a model-based mindset often requires a significant cultural shift as it necessitates cross-functional collaboration and alignment. Overcoming these challenges requires a well-planned, phased approach supported by strong leadership, change management and a commitment to building the necessary organizational capabilities.

Increasing regulations require companies to adopt a more modern product development approach. By leveraging a comprehensive digital twin, which is the heart of an MBSE approach, companies are better equipped to handle complex product development. How? By simulating and optimizing systems before physical production, MBSE minimizes the need for rework, lowers material consumption and ensures that products are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly from the start.